4/30/10

It's about the time... Only Music Left has been fun, but it's time for a change. Cutting over to a new blog is not an easy choice, let alone picking a new name, but this feels like the right time and the right move. This new blog will have "Pages" that allow me to make this more of a full-featured website than just a blog. As usual, it's not yet where i'd like it to be, but it's a start. Check it out:

Stephanie Nilles has just been added to this group. She's an amazing performer who can work those keys like few I've seen, and who has a wit and humor about her that makes her shows a pleasure to see. But with a little bit of pain - as it should be.

4/22/10

Hmm... Was really tempted to see the Bassnectar / Major Lazer show at the HOB this night, but opted for the free show at the Spot. I was walking into this show pretty blind to who Xiu Xiu was, and what they (he) sounded like. I'd been seeing his name around the blogosphere (this term still cracks me up), and figured what the hell.

Not quite what I was expecting. He was much darker... sort of clangy and chaotic. But some of the people there were *really* into it, singing every word. Not my thing, but that's what it's all about.

4/21/10

4/16/10

Could be interesting... though I have little faith that Apple could pull of something monumental with regards to pricing and accessibility - despite being an "empire." But from a Tech standpoint - kick-ass.

Apple patent reveals concert ticketing plans

The latest Apple patent to hint at its future music plans is for a service called Concert Ticket, which would take the form of an iPhone and desktop application.

It’s described as an “iTunes based web service for tickets that will naturally enhance the iTunes music empire”. It includes e-tickets distributed to the handset, maps to the event, song lyrics, the ability to buy a live recording of the gig, virtual coupons for free drinks, and social features to find other fans at the concert.

4/15/10

Cleveland's own Kickdrums have been a favorite of mine for some time... Though I haven't had the pleasure of seeing them yet. I've been meaning to post this video for a couple weeks now, but today is the day. Particularly because I also just found out that they are offering up a 3 volume mix-tape called the Indio Sessions (Coachella). Dont' really have much of a story behind it - but it's got some amazing artists. And if they mixed this as well as they mix their own stuff - watch out: http://thekickdrums.bandcamp.com/

Kickdrums Make a Three-Part Mixtape

Cleveland's supercool DJ team the Kickdrums have just released a three-part mixtape called The Indio Sessions.

The mixes, which you can downlaod here, are based on the Coachella music fest, so there's plenty of music-snob-approved tunes and artists.

MGMT, Passion Pit, Spoon and Yeasayer all make appearances.

Seriously — you should go download them now. You'll be cooler than Hipster Kitty.—Michael Gallucci (follow me on Twitter @mgallucci)

The one thing I've been waiting on forever, is for MySpace to take advantage of their Event listings for all their bands. Even though I rarely use MySpace personally, it's still my go-to source for listening to music for some new band I want to check out. The number of bands on there is staggering, and so is their concert data. Finally, I'm now able to see every MySpace event listing in the area... Not that I needed the ability to discover and attend more shows... http://events.myspace.com/

MySpace Launches Events & Ticketing Platform

How does MySpace plan to stop the outward flow of traffic to Facebook and Twitter. Apparently, by connecting with them and an ongoing series of launches rather than a single splashy makeover. And today's announcement might have actually given artists and music marketers a reason to keep their MySpace profiles more up to date.

Late on Wednesday, the social networker unveiled MySpace Events, a calendar and ticketing platform that allows artists and fans to create and share events. Each event appears inside the user's MySpace calendar, including any from Facebook thanks to a growing implementation of Facebook Connect; and they can be shared on their MySpace Stream, Facebook pages, on Twitter, and via tiny url.

4/10/10

It's funny how I've tried talking myself out of seeing these Swedish bands, but just couldn't resist. The same thing happened with this Love Is All performance Easter Sunday. After gorging at dinner, I wasn't really excited about a late Sunday night performance. Then again, there was another local opener that I was interested in seeing. Earlier in the day, before hiding eggs, I checked out the openers and saw that Cloud Nothings were catching some nice national press. Hmm... tempting.

The show was extremely impressive.

I then listened to Love Is All for the whole care ride home to Cleveland and enjoyed each song more, every time I heard it. These guys have a little grittier sound than their Swedish counterparts, Little Dragon. But both have empassioned female lead singers... Not many people were at this show, but that didn't stop the band from giving their all. This also allowed me to get closer to the stage than I normally would. Not so good for the ability to hear the next day, but totally worth it. One of these days I'll remember my ear plugs.

Third concert night in a row, and it's been a good run. Seabear is from Iceland, and I'm beginning to realize just how much I like these foreign / northern bands. The music has been phenomenal, and the accents are just a treat.

I first got connected to Seabear through a side project of frontman, Sindri Mar Sigfusson, called Sin Fan Bous. That album is probably one of my favorite albums in the last year. Seabear just released their second album (We Built a Fire) and I'd highly recommend them, especially if you're a fan of bands like The Shins.